Foreign-born population – 2024 | 9.7% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
1.9 million, 52% women | Evolution since 2014: +334% | Venezuela (38%), Peru (14%), Colombia (11%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
Venezuela, Colombia and Bolivia were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, China registered the strongest increase (200) and Venezuela the largest decrease (‑89 000) in flows to Chile compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑31%, to reach around 2 500. The majority of applicants came from Venezuela (1 500), Colombia (600) and Cuba (100). The largest decrease concerned nationals of Venezuela (‑800). Of the 1 850 decisions taken in 2024, 6% were positive.
Emigration of Chilean citizens to OECD countries increased by 13% in 2023, to 19 000. Approximately 46% of this group migrated to Spain, 12% to the United States and 9% to New Zealand.
At the end of 2023, the Chilean Government enacted Decree No. 181, officially establishing the new National Migration and Foreign Policy (PNME, for its acronym in Spanish). This policy is built around ten thematic pillars, includes 28 immediately applicable nationwide measures, and comprises a series of bills submitted to both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate to reform the existing legal framework. The PNME aims to align Chile’s immigration framework with constitutional and international standards, modernise immigration procedures, and enhance inter-agency co‑ordination. Key priorities include promoting the regularisation of migrants, improving migrants’ access to public services, and attracting highly qualified foreign nationals.
In February 2024, Chile enacted Law No. 21655 to address the steep rise in asylum applications. This law introduced stricter criteria for determining refugee status. It established a preliminary assessment phase to filter out “manifestly unfounded” applications, aiming to expedite genuine asylum claims. It also disqualifies applicants who spent more than 60 days in another country before arriving in Chile.
In November 2024, the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill to reform the Migration Law, amending 56 articles. Changes included expanding causes of expulsion to cover offenses such as domestic violence and illegal possession of weapons; implementing biometric data collection for foreign nationals; setting stricter controls on the entry of unaccompanied minors; and increasing penalties for those facilitating irregular migration. The bill also proposed extending the minimum residency period for naturalisation from five to ten years.
In December 2024, the Senate approved a bill extending reasons for revoking or denying residence permits. The National Migration Service may now deny permits to foreign nationals with repeated minor infractions, such as noise disturbances, street fighting, and unauthorised street vending. These infractions do not lead directly to deportation, but they can result in the revocation of temporary residence permits.
In January 2025, the Senate gave general approval to the migration reform bill. It must now be reviewed by the government’s Commission on Decentralisation and Regionalisation, which will ensure that the law meets further criteria and standards.
By 2024, the National Migration Service reported 1 100 cases of expulsion: 690 administrative and 410 judicial. The latter were court-ordered and involved crimes such as robbery with violence, homicide or illegal weapon possession. The number of administrative expulsions is the highest in the last seven years. They reflect the government’s efforts to enforce the current legislative framework and enhance national security.
Additionally, in December 2024, Latin America and Caribbean officials gathered in Santiago at a Ministerial event to adopt the Declaration and Plan of Action of Chile 2024‑2034 (Cartagena + 40). This declaration provides a framework for regional co‑operation to strengthen protection and inclusion for individuals displaced by environmental factors, underscoring the need for comprehensive policies to address climate‑induced migration over the next decade.
For further information: www.extranjeria.gob.cl | www.serviciomigraciones.cl/en/home/
